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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER'i7, 20680" m Quality: What difference does it make? by Dan Irwin Anyone who has been in the market for hay this summer need not be reminded that this has been a difficult year to harvest good hay. But even if you have been able to. find some hay which seems to be of decent quality, will you be able to maintain your horses with the same "amount of grain as usual this winter? To answer Protein Neutral detergent fiber Acid detergent fiber Lignin (% of the plant) Energy meal per pound Calcium Phosphorus this question in a gener- al way we will look at two sample results taken off the same field, one in 1999 and one this sum- mer. DULL Le) ADVERTISERS! 1999 2000 14.20 10.20 54.34 60.57 36.30 43.10 5.66 7.35 99 86 94 90 26 19 While the difference in protein might be a con- cern if you have growing horses, look at the neu- tral detergent fiber and the lignin levels. The higher numbers this year mean the hay is more mature, more fibrous, more of it is completely indigestible (i.e. more lignin) and the whole bail will be less scrump- tillyitious to your horse. You will probably carry more EUM "out in your EUMHD this winter. That is more equine unused material (manure) out in your Equine Unused Material Handling device (wheelbarrow). So what does this mean in terms of more grain? (i.e. more cost). | ran a sample ration for a 1200 Ib., regularly ridden horse on my ration bal- ancing program. | found that you will need three pounds more grain with this year's hay to get the same calories into your horse as with last year's hay, based on the sam- ple results. For a breed- ing mare or for harder working horses, even more could be required. Your hay might be bet- ter than the average this year, but on the other hand | see a lot of hay that won't be much bet- Magik Morn ter for feed than a pile of firewood. The only way you will know is to have your hay tested or wait for your horses to tell you through weight loss or general unthriftiness. There are some strate- gies for maintaining your equine hay converter this winter that might help. I. Try feeding a fat added grain ration or add some corn or soy oil to your horse's feed. Flax seed or micronized soybeans are another option. 2. Replace part of the hay with a fiber based complete feed or hay cubes. 3. Beet pulp has a pret- ty good calorie value and very digestible fiber. Feed it in addi- tion to the regular grain ration. 4. Be sure your horses are going into the winter as parasite free as possible. 5. You may have to pay a little more, but try and be selective about your hay pur- chases. The quality is generally sub par but there is some good hay out there if you look around. Watch out for dusty or moldy hay. 6. You can get some sec- ond cut hay that may be rain free but feed it sparingly. It may be quite high in protein, which can be harder on your horse's kid- neys. Good luck and good feeding. Remember: This year, what goes in will proba- bly come out. We're not just another Port Perry paper. Have you received phone calls from a newspaper soliciting your advertising dollars that identify themselves as the Port Perry paper? They aren't calling from the Port Perry Star!!! When someone phones to ask for your advertising dollars -- make sure you get "Star Treatment "!!!!! Our sales team prides itself in spelling things out clearly, precisely. honestly and in a proudly professional manner. So ask for your "Star" Sales Team! After all, our clients' loyalty has Kept us in business for 135 ycars. We owe you OUR Star Performance! So Thank You! from all of us ne oRT PE RRY STAR 188 Mary Street, Port Perry PARRY RE RICE SEH LR REY ng@portperrystar.com Fone E-mail: agdvertisi LALO ERAATAA Te Tg We Td dA Sr TN e103! Arabians & Canadian Sport Horses Breeders of Egyptian wh, Arabians, Anglo-Arabians i | and Partbreds Camps, Children's Parties, Lessons, Sales & Training, Stallion Training 761 Fleetwood Rd: Janetville, Ontario LOB 1KO Kim Morgan-Deriet 705-277-1498 www.geocities.com/magikmorn SMALE » RISSLER | Also Carrying | | FENCING, RUBBER MATS & WATERERS | | Available through 24 hour service Authorized Dealer Gordon L. Corner | R.R.#1, Oshawa, Ontario Phone 655- 3177 Boarding e Training e Coaching e Lessons Heather Jtauble (708) 277 ~8402 sunderland Co-op SUNDERLAND CO-OP Inc. "ALL SPECIAL = Q IMECTRIN Honss WORMER ~ 15.99 each $ i 42° |case lots 'BUY 9 GET ONE FREE 14% Sweet Horse Feed or : 14% Winner's Circle Before you buy Qakwood Elevator give us a try! R.R. #1 co-op) ( D = Oakwood, Ont. Hwy. 7 & 12 Sunderland, Ont | VARI YE 3491 (705) 953-9660 STOUFFVILLE CO-OP FEEDS Stouffville Branch Uxbridge Branch 905-640-1550 905-852-3321 1-800-355-2168 1-800-355-2972 QUALITY PERFORMANCE FEEDS Kentucky Show Time Photo Finish 12% Protein & 14% Protein Corn Oil Added Chelated Minerals and Yeast Very Palatable and Consistent » Tack Shop and Supplies * Great Prices, Good Selection * Everything for the horse and Horse Owner